ABSTRACT
Objective To determine the value of detection of micrometastasis in peripheral blood to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis or recurrence. Methods Reviewed the related literatures, the methods and significances of the detection of HCC micrometastasis in peripheral blood were analyzed. Results Currently, there are mainly two methods, hematogenous dissemination cell detection and HCC specific mRNA biomarker detection, for detection of HCC micrometastasis in peripheral blood. Theoretically, although they are considered as early detections of HCC metastasis or recurrence, researches still not have a abroad agreeable conclusion from different studies. After adjusting and improving the methods and detection time, different studies also have not gotten a quite consistent conclusion. Conclusion There is a great significance in detection of HCC micrometastasis in peripheral blood to understanding the mechanisms of HCC metatasis and recurrence, and also to improving the clinical therapy. Theoretically and practically, the method should be improved for facilitating the mechanism research of HCC metastasis and recurrence, and the application of detection.